Working with the Business Sector: Pursuing Public Good with Private Partners

How can grantmakers cross the divide between philanthropy and business? Looking at the push and pull between sectors from the vantage point of those working in independent and corporate foundations, this guide examines efforts to partner with and influence the business world. Grantmakers weigh the case for engaging business, share strategies for working with companies, and identify skills for promoting corporate philanthropy. They also explore ways to bridge cultural and philosophical differences between the sectors.

Highlights

Making the case for business engagement

Attracting corporate resources

Collaborating across sectors on common projects

Seeking change in the business world

What's in the Guide?

Seeking Common Ground with Business: Primarily for grantmakers working outside the corporate sector, this section looks at several key questions. How much business involvement in philanthropy is realistic? What kind of involvement should you seek? And how can you balance a need to engage business with, in some cases, a desire to change how business is conducted?

Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship: Intended mainly for people working in corporations and corporate philanthropy, this section offers suggestions for linking business and charitable activities in ways that benefit both.

Forging Partnerships Across Sectors: On either side of a business philanthropy collaboration, cultural differences, misunderstandings, and simple inexperience can get in the way of cooperation. With patience and creativity, these can be overcome - or at least managed.